Change theme
Change theme

Here’s how to recognize and report a scam.

The Bank of Canada has become aware of a telephone scam in which individuals purporting to represent the Bank of Canada refer to personal bank account information and supposed suspicious activity.

The Bank of Canada has not authorized the use of its name in this way and has no connection to this scam.

Please read below for steps you can take if you believe you are a victim of one of these fraudulent phone calls.

Recognizing a scam

As Canada’s central bank, the Bank of Canada:

  • does not accept deposits from or on behalf of individuals
  • does not request the transfer of funds or payments from individuals
  • does not get involved in or partner with companies or individuals in investment schemes
  • does not collect personal or financial information from individuals through email or by telephone
  • does not request personal or financial information through social media messaging applications

The Bank’s employees and officers:

  • do not request personal or financial information by telephone, email or through social media messaging applications
  • do not participate in any internet-based communications that request information or payment for services

Reporting a scam

Take the following steps if you have concerns about the contents of any call or internet-based communication that purports to be from the Bank or about the Bank’s involvement in any investment scheme or suspicious activity:

  • Delete the email or message after contacting your local authorities.
  • Do not follow links. Access the Bank’s website by typing the URL yourself—https://www.bankofcanada.ca—and look for references to the program identified in the email.
  • Call our Public Information Office at 1‑800‑303‑1282 (toll-free in North America), or send us an with details of the scam.
  • Optionally, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Counterfeit Prevention: Learn why it’s important to check your bank notes, how to report suspected counterfeits, and what the Bank of Canada is doing to fight counterfeiting.
Content Type(s): Press, Announcements